The Editor Went Down to Georgia, Part II—08/07/08

Posted by Sara Anderson

Indian Springs Camp Meeting can always be counted on for good preaching. That only works if the preachers have attentive listeners. I took note of a number of good sermons, but one in particular sticks with me more than three weeks later. Benny Tate, a pastor in the Congregational Methodist Church preached one evening on 2 Timothy 4:9-22. In the passage Paul is asking Timothy to come to him and to bring Mark, a cloak left behind, books and parchments. Rev. Tate emphasized Paul’s entreaty in verse 21: “Make every effort to come before winter.”

The shipping routes in the Mediterranean were unpredictable in winter. If Timothy did not leave quickly, he would have to wait until spring. Yet Paul sensed his time on earth was short. If Timothy did not come before winter, he might not see Paul.

We were encouraged to settle differences, express love to friends and family and to act on the fact that people were ready to hear about Jesus. We needed to do these things before winter, Rev Tate emphasized. In addition to an altar call, the folks assembled in the tabernacle were encouraged to find friends and family to tell them they were loved and appreciated. I was deeply touched when I saw a woman helping her Parkinsons-stricken father find people he wanted to talk with and embrace. His sweet smile and patient demeanor said so much. His “winter” was coming and he was making certain people were aware of his love and regard. It was a memorable lesson for me.